Vote Mama Foundation is the only organization tracking the use of Campaign Funds for Childcare and working to pass legislation in all 50 states by 2023.  

 

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 24, 2022 — State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) have introduced legislation to allow political candidates to use campaign funds for child care. Senate Bill 882 and House Bill 5840 remove a significant obstacle that many candidates, particularly those who are mothers, face when running for office. By taking this step and authorizing the use of campaign funds for child care and dependent care, Michigan can empower more working parents and caregivers to run for office. 

 

“The cost of caring for a family should never be the reason a candidate cannot run for office. I applaud Sen. Chang and Rep. Hood for spearheading critical legislation that will help bring more working parents and caregivers to the decision making table in Michigan. I launched Vote Mama Foundation because I envisioned a future in which no political candidate would have to consider the cost of child care when weighing the decision to run for office. With the introduction of Senate Bill 882 and House Bill 5840, we are now one step closer to inclusion and empowerment for parents and caregivers everywhere,” said Liuba Grechen Shirley, Founder and CEO of Vote Mama Foundation. 

 

“It’s simple — we need more working parents of young children in public office. Moms and dads with little ones know what families are going through and are in touch with the real needs of their communities,” said Sen. Chang, a mother of two young daughters and the first Michigan Senator to give birth while serving in the Senate. “I’ve talked to several moms over the years who grappled with the decision to run for office, with one of the biggest factors being juggling a campaign and taking care of the kids. By giving candidates the option to use campaign funds for childcare or dependent care while they are out knocking on doors or campaigning at events, we open up a door for parents who might otherwise think running for office with little kids is impossible.”

 

“We need to do all we can to make running for office more accessible. While comprehensive campaign finance reform remains elusive, allowing candidates to use campaign dollars to cover the cost of care for their dependent family members, is a common-sense solution, modeled by 18 states across the nation,” said Rep. Hood. “Those of us who have the privilege of caring for children, differently-abled family members, or seniors, are incredibly well-prepared to serve in office through the vantage point of their own experience. If this bill allows one more responsible caretaker to run for office, who wouldn’t be able to otherwise, it can be considered a success.”

 

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Contacts:

Tom Stephenson
Office of State Rep. Rachel Hood
tstephenson@house.mi.gov
(616) 824-9464

Ellen Heinitz

Office of Sen. Chang

(231)-838-1025

 EHeinitz@senate.michigan.gov